Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year Award
Beginning in 2015, the Valero Texas Open recognized an outstanding volunteer to receive the Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year Award. Tom Mabe was a longtime volunteer who worked with players, fans, and officials for decades as a proud VTO volunteer. Tom was an American hero, retired from the US Army after being stationed in Germany and serving in Korea and Vietnam. Tom passed away during tournament week in 2014 and will be sorely missed, but remembered, at all future Valero Texas Open tournaments.
Tom always had a positive attitude and was truly a team player- willing and happy to take on any tasks or duties that were asked of him. He was passionate about the tournament and even more so of the charities that the VTO supports. Tom took pride in all that he did and was eager to pitch in any way he could.
The Volunteer of the Year Award has been named in Tom Mabe’s honor and each TLC committee has the opportunity to nominate a volunteer from their respective committee that is worthy of recognition - who embodies the same character, spirit, and passion as Tom Mabe including his dedication, commitment, passion, charity, character, sacrifice & leadership.
Volunteer of the Year Recipients
2024
Chuck Rosales a member of the Walking Scorers committee, embodies the characteristics of dedication and commitment, passion for the game of golf, and giving of his time and energy annually. He performs very important tasks for the Walking Scorers committee and is trusted with highly critical responsibility without seeking recognition or attention which is a testament to his selflessness, character, charity, quiet leadership, and passion for the game of golf. He has been a dedicated Valero Texas Open volunteer for an impressive 38 years.
2023
Greg Klemm was assigned to hole 18 all weekend and despite the weather delays and long days, he showed unwavering dedication and commitment to his job and leading 13 volunteers. Without hesitation, we could always count on Klemm to stay and help prep for the next day. If one's character is a collection of traits that shape a person's image and personality, we quickly recognized his untiring work ethic, reliability, positive attitude and passion for volunteerism. Klemm has been a dedicated volunteer for 16 years, and cares about the little things and hopes they make difference in the lives of the fans, volunteers, and his team.
2022
Sherry King embodies the essence and true passion of volunteerism as she fulfilled duties with two committees, Gallery Management and Player Support, during this year’s centennial tournament. Coincidentally, both committees nominated her for this honor. She has a positive attitude and team spirit that is contagious to her fellow committee members and willingness to help in any way possible. She balanced her time between two committees, even making dinner for the hole marshal team on Wednesday and Thursday after she and the team worked long a long day.
2021
Mike Murray understands the purpose of Valero’s sponsorship and the charitable event the Valero Texas Open has become over the years. Admissions is the front door to the tournament and Mike greeted each guest as though they were being invited into his home. He did a great job instilling that philosophy into all our volunteers. Every customer was treated with respect, every volunteer was treated as a customer, and it showed.
2019
Jenny Fischer embodies the essence and true passion of volunteerism and has worked as a part of the Pro/VIP Shuttles committee, amongst a few other committees, over the past twenty-three years. Many returning volunteers within Pro/VIP shuttles say she is a contributing factor for their annual return to volunteer.
2018
Barbara Zakrison has worked as a part of the Volunteer Services committee for over seven years. She is caring and considerate with everyone she interacts with, making each person she connects with feel special. Her polite demeanor makes her a joy to be around.
2017
Lisa Leong has worked as a part of the Hospitality committee for several years. Her inviting disposition comes with a smile and good spirit as she is willing to help anyone she encounters. She even takes a week’s worth of vacation from work to volunteer her time and talent each year during tournament week.
2016
Gerry Hagar embodies the essence and true spirit of volunteerism. Several Volunteer of the Year nominations were submitted in support of Hagar, who has worked as a part of the Pro-VIP Shuttle committee for several years. He exhibited incredible selflessness, commitment, willingness to assist in any situation and despite the long hours of volunteering seven days straight, from sun-up to sun-down during tournament week, maintained a wonderful sense of humor.
2015
Greg Brueland was awarded the inaugural Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year award. Greg, who worked on the 13th hole as part of the Gallery Control committee, was awarded the honor for his “selflessness and mentorship to other volunteers.” Words used to describe Greg included passion, enthusiasm, and his invaluable help was contagious.
Criteria & Process
Recipients will be selected by the Mabe family, the Tournament Leadership Council (not eligible for award), and Staff Members following the Valero Texas Open.
Each committee will designate a volunteer of the year from their team that will then be nominated to run for the VTO Volunteer of the Year. The recipient will be selected by the Mabe family, the Tournament Leadership Council, and Staff Members following the tournament. All committee Volunteer of Year winners will be able to attend the annual TLC Banquet, where the winner will be announced.
Committee Volunteers of the Year will receive:
- An invitation to the TLC banquet with the option to bring a guest
- Complimentary registration/premium parking for the following Valero Texas Open
- Commemorative Volunteer of the Year pin.
In addition to the committee awards, the Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year recipient will receive:
- A Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year trophy
- Two (2) night stay with spa package at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
- $1,000 donation to a charity of choice
Become a Volunteer
The Valero Texas Open wouldn’t be possible without the more than 2,000 volunteers that help put on the tournament. Because of their efforts, the Valero Texas Open is able to raise significant amounts of money for charity... a record-breaking $24M in 2024. Please help us give back to the community by becoming a volunteer.
